Operation Sindoor highlighted India's military self-reliance, yet HAL’s move to install Israeli ELTA radar and EW systems in all 83 LCA Mk1As—despite prior commitments to DRDO’s Uttam radar and SRK EW suite—undermines indigenisation. HAL cites certification delays, though CEMILAC cleared the Uttam radar for production. Notably, HAL had signed the ELTA deal in October 2018.